Maresca needs a new centre-backplaceholder image
Maresca needs a new centre-back | AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea are said to be considering two defenders as they look to add competition at the back.
Chelsea were dealt a blow in their FIFA Club World Cup campaign on Friday evening. The Blues were beaten 3-1 by Flamengo, failing to take advantage of their early opportunities, and things got more difficult when Nicolas Jackson was sent off for a silly challenge that was met with a red card.
The Blues will still be expecting to progress to the knockout stages, but they will need to take care of business against Tunis in the early hours of Wednesday morning - UK time. In the meantime, the Chelsea chiefs will be working on incomings as Enzo Maresca looks to add to his squad this summer. While Liam Delap has been signed, it looks as though Maresca wants another striker, while a winger, goalkeeper and centre-back are the other priorities.
As far as a centre-back chase goes, it’s likely the incoming will replace Benoit Badiashile and challenge for a spot against Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and potentially Trevoh Chalobah, although the latter’s future is not yet clear.
The Blues have already been linked with options aplenty, including Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, but the latest claim from Simon Phillips suggests Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is one of the primary options.
"Chelsea intend to push for him [Branthwaite] again and there is a possibility that they offer players to Everton in an attempt to get the fee down and make the deal more appealing on both sides," said journalist Simon Phillips on his Substack. “The other further info we have received from SPTC sources is that there’s a feeling now that Branthwaite could actually leave Everton this window for a Champions League club - which puts Chelsea in a strong position."
Everton boss has previously said of Branthwaite interest: “Good players will always be linked with moves away, especially good young players,. But you have to remember Jarrad’s got a three-year contract left, he’s got two years and a year’s option so if anything Everton hold all the cards regarding that player.
“But I have to also say over the journey I’ve had over many years at Everton we’ve had to sell different players from Wayne Rooney to Mikel Arteta to Joleon Lescott. Apart from being a football manager, especially at certain clubs you have to sell on the journey to try and build as well. But I wouldn’t think that Jarrad one of the players I would want to lose, that’s for sure.”
Reports since those comments have suggested that Everton are trying to agree a new contract with Branthwaite, and such a move would really put the ball in the player’s court.
Ousmane Diomandé option
Chelsea are also being linked with a move to sign Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomandé, who is said to be in talks with Crystal Palace. Palace face the possibility of losing Marc Guehi this summer, and Diomandé could be the replacement.
But TEAMtalk and journalist Rudy Galetti have also reported that Chelsea are very interested in the signing of Diomandé, with Maresca said to be a big fan. Diomandé is likely to be a cheaper option than Branthwaite.
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